Tiltable support frame for a metallurgical vessel

ABSTRACT

A tiltable frame structure for supporting a metallurgical converter. The frame structure is spaced from the converter to permit it to deform under thermal stress without restriction. The converter is secured within the frame by a plurality of flexible support rods. Preferably, the support rods are prestressed and extend in a direction perpendicular to one of the directions in which the converter deforms under thermal stress.

United States Patent Inventor .Appl. No.

Filed Patented Assignee Priority Friedrich Wilhelm Bornscheuer Stuttgart-Botnang, Germany 824,839

May 15, 1969 Mar. 30, 1971 Demag AG Duisburg, Germany June 29, 1968 Germany TILTABLE SUPPORT FRAME FOR A METALLURGICAL VESSEL 21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl. 266/36, 266/39 Int. Cl C2lc 5/50 [50] Field ofSearch 266/36 (P), 39; 263/33 (A) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,201,108 8/1965 Kramer 266/36 Primary Examiner-James M. Meister Attorney-McGlew and Toren ABSTRACT: A tiltable frame structure for supporting a metallurgical converter. The frame structure is spaced from the converter to permit it to deform under thermal stress without restriction. The converter is secured within the frame by a plurality of flexible support rods. Preferably, the support rods are prestressed and extend in a direction perpendicular to one of the directions in which the converter deforms under thermal stress.

Patented March 30, 1971 I 3,572,674

'7 Sheets-Sheet 2 5 IM BORMSCHUE/Q Farmed March 30, 1971 3,572,674

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor E w. BORI SCHZME K n rrolwz y;

Patented March 30, 1971 3,572,674

'7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Inventor E w. EORNSCHUR 9 170 M5 vs Pate nted March 30, 1911 3,572,674

7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor i w. BOIFNSCHQJE/f kiiwmzfw Patented March 30, 1971 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig. 8

Inventor BMFAJSCIIZVER 72% We MW TT' ORA/E V5 Patented March 30, 1971 I 3,572,674

7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Fig. 10

Inventor Ew. 'BoRNs H EVER AT RMZ/J TILTABLE SUPPORT FRAME FOR A METALLURGICAL VESSEL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a support structure for a metallurgical vessel, such as a converter used in steel production, and in particular, it is directed to a support frame which laterally encloses the converter but does not come in contact with it. Further, the frame and the converter are tiltable about a horizontal axis by means of pivot members attached to the frame.

As is well known during the operation of metallurgical converter vessels, sizable permanent deformations take place. At times the extent of the deformation is such that severe local stressing may develop and endanger the operational safety of the vessel. However, due to such deformation, cracks have been known to develop in the vessels.

Since the severe deformations which take place within the converter are caused by high thermal stresses stemming from the extreme temperature differences present within the converter, it has been found that increasing the wall thickness of the steel shell of the vessel does not provide any improvement in its overall design against the severe deformations which take place.

In use, there are certain unavoidable permanent deformations which take place within the converter vessel. When suitable grades of steel with a pronounced range of flow are used, the deformations are, to a large extent, harmless if they take place uniformly, that is, if there is uniform expansion of the shell of the vessel. The problem which has been faced in the past has been to accommodate the vessel deformations within the supporting frame without pinching or limiting the deformation. In the past various supporting structures have been employed directed to the problem of permitting unobstructed deformation caused by thermal stressing in the vessel. In this regard the German Auslegeschrift, No. 1,246,000 is pertinent in which in an inclined bearing surface is provided for the claws or base support structure.

In the above prior art arrangement, because of the deformation of the point of attachment between the vessel and its base support structure and the elastic twisting of the base support or claw under load the arrangement retains its theoretical position only at the outset of operations. During the course of the operation cycle with constant heating and cooling taking place, the base support structure distorts unequally at various points about the circumference of the vessel. As a result, the theoretically fixed angles between the inclined base support and the supporting ring no longer coincide and with this arrangement the thermal stress deformation of the vessel tends to be constricted and the basic arrangement of this device does not provide the necessary sliding motion.

Another disadvantage in this prior art arrangement stems from the fact that the claw is hindered in its movement hence it is guided by both faces of the supporting ring. If during operation the clearance increases to a considerable extent then a hard impact will be developed when the vessel is tilted from its vertical into an oblique position. To avoid such an impact, which considerably stresses the vessel, and'also to avoid wear of the claws, the clearance developed is reduced by shimming. As a result of the shimming, the unimpeded deformability of the bearing is defeated and the resulting restriction may cause considerable forces to develop in the shell of the vessel. The use of loose supporting rings for the vessel affords only an imperfect solution to the problem because the direction of the thermal expansion of the vessel changes with time during the operation cycle.

To afford free deformability for the converter vessel the present invention is directed to an arrangement for supporting the vessel in such a manner that all of its thermal deformation, that is both the permanent and the reversible deformation, can take place to the greatest extent possible without obstruction or limitation. Further, in the invention the compulsive forces developed are small and can be absorbed without any problems. Another characteristic of the invention is its ability to adapt to the displacement of the attachment points between the supporting frame structure and the vessel without any interruptions in operation and in accordance with the permanent deformations which take place during operation.

Therefore, in accordance with the invention, the metallurgical vessel is positioned within the supporting frame by employing a minimum of limiting force to its deformability. This feature of the invention is accomplished by the use of flexible supporting rods located at spaced positions about the periphery of the vessel and extending between the vessel and the carrying frame. In connecting the supporting rods between the vessel and the frame the axes of the rods are arranged perpendicular to one of the directions in which the vessel deforms under thermal stress. Accordingly, the basic concept of the invention is to provide a connection between the vessel and the supporting or carrying frame in which the free deformability of the vessel is limited to the least extent possible. Due to the minimum bending resistance of the rods (E modulus of elasticity, J the areal moment of inertia, and I the length of the rod) only very minor compulsive forces are introduced into the vessel because of the attachment of the flexible supporting rods. The bending resistance ofthe rods ,W,

is smaller as the length of the rod increases and as the modulus of elasticity and the moment of inertia is reduced.

Another feature of the invention is the slender configura tion of the flexible supporting rods which gives them the property of soft springs, as contrasted to the known claw support structure, mentioned above, which is built of a rigid arrangement of plates and stiffening components.

By means of the invention, the usual direct transmission of load from the vessel to the carrying frame is replaced by an indirect transmission by means of prestressed tension supporting rods of considerable length or of compression rods of relatively shorter length.

When prestressed tension rods are employed, a particularly advantageous arrangement is achieved if the rods are formed of a multiplicity of individual slender high-strength wires.

Where the supporting rods are formed of a multiplicity of individual wires either a sheathed or unsheathed cable having a reduced modulus elasticity can be used. If the individual wires are not twisted, that is, their rectilinear axes are disposed in parallel relationship to one another, the moment of inertia of the rods is greatly reduced. Where such cables are used as the supporting rods, they provide considerable advantages over bolts having full wall cross sections, though such bolts.

may be also used.

conditions are transferred statically into the tilting frame supporting the carrying frame and then into the support foundation of the overall structure. It is particularly advantageous to hold the vessel in the area of its base and its opening or mouth,

since this type of connection assures that the vessel wall is stressed to a limited extent. Further, the carrying frame can include a basketlike structure formed of individual beams for supporting the vessel at it base.

Another feature of the invention is to secure the vessel to 1 the carrying frame, at least in part, by means of the flexiblev .1 supporting rods which are secured to the vessel in a tangential manner. Tangentially acting forces yield the least stress in the vessels shell.

Yet another feature of the invention is the employment 0 fixed or movable attachment heads for fastening the flexible supporting rods to the periphery of the vessel. By means of commercially available hydraulic presses the supporting rods can be prestressed. Varying conditions apply to the prestress forces depending on the location of the attachment heads on the vessel.

In accordance with the invention, it is considered desirable to encircle particularly stressed zones of the vessel with reinforcement rings which are disposed about the vessel on one or both sides of the attachment heads.

The reinforcement rings can be located adjacent the mouth of the vessel which is an area in which very high thermal stresses are developed. However, the reinforcement rings are also suited for use about the vessel in any location where it is desired to introduce punctiform loads.

The transfer of the total load from the vessel to the carrying frame can be accomplished in several different positions on the vessel. Such transfer of load can be accomplished by providing a pair of tangentially arranged rods on opposite sides of the vessel extending transversely to the vessel center line and to the tilting axis of the carrying frame, and by employing another pair of similarly oriented supporting rods in spaced relationship to the first part and located about the periphery of the vessel or connecting the bottom of the carrying frame with the bottom of the vessel. In the belly position, that is, when the vessel is tilted through 90 from its normal upright position, the transverse supporting rods extending between the carrying frame and the attachment heads on the vessel transfer identical percentages of the total load P, if the prestressing force V of the supporting rods is correspondingly great. The tension in the upper supporting rods then amounts to P uppcr and in the lower ones Accordingly, it is recommended to prevent the supporting rods from slackening in the belly position of the vessel, that the prestressing force on the tangentially arranged supporting rods be greater than the share of the load to be absorbed by the rods.

If the prestressing force V is smaller than P/ 4 the lower supporting rods will transmit V only. The residual force P/4V is transmitted by the upper tension members where a maximum force of P/2 is active. Two such supporting systems are required for the belly position of the vessel.

The invention is based upon the use of the flexible supporting rods. In its original support position within the carrying frame the supporting rods are disposed at diametrically opposed attachment points, however, their position changes rapidly after deformation of the vessel takes place. Under such deformation the shape of the rods then resembles a somewhat slender S-shaped configuration. In addition to the elongation developed within the supporting rods, they are also subjected to bending stress.

Another feature of the invention is the ability of the supporting rods, based on their length dimensions, to influence the additional stress which takes place during operation based on the oblique attitude of the rods, since when longer rods are used they will be subjected to smaller additional stresses. When the vessel is in its normal upright position, an analogous fastening mode to the one described above can be employed using supporting rods which extend in the vertical direction. In its normal upright position, in accordance with the invention, it is recommended that the total weight of the vessel and its contents be absorbed by contact between the bottom of the vessel and the basket or bottom portion of the carrying frame. However, in the inverted or upside-down position of the vessel, that is, after it has been turned 180 and has passed through the belly position, the vessel is then supported by a plurality of ang" larly spaced stressed longitudinally extending rods.

As mentioned above, smaller rotation angles will develop in the tension members depending on the extent of their length and, as a result, the additional stresses developed will stay within permissible limits.

To improve the load transmission conditions, where permanent expansion of the vessel takes place, limited" prestressing of the supporting rods is provided. In the inverted position of the vessel, the prestress of the longitudinally supporting rods carrying the vessel is somewhat less than the total weight of the empty vessel including its masonry lining. In the inverted position, the vessel hangs freely in the carrying frame with slight clearance and no contact with the frame. In such an arrangement the shell of the vessel is free to move radially. After the vessel has been tilted through the transmission of load takes place via the shifted contact points.

Yet another characteristic of the invention is the ability to afford complete prestress of the supporting rods used in transmitting the load between the vessel and the carrying frame. In operation, the prestress of the supporting rods in the inverted position is selected as equal to or greater than the gross weight of the vessel. To adapt the permanent deformations of the vessel to the contact points, the supporting rods are relaxed successively in the blast or normal position of the vessel by means of hydraulic presses, are shifted to the new positions, and then brought back to the desired prestress conditions. Oblong holes may be provided in the bearing surfaces for accommodating this purpose. Further, any permanent twisting of the bearing points at the attachment heads can be overcome by means of suitably beveled shims fitted in place after the tensioning of the support rods is removed. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a converter vessel supported within a carrying frame illustrating one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the vessel and carrying frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the converter vessel and another embodiment of the carrying frame embodying the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of the arrangement disclosed in FIG. 3 showing a member utilized for suspending the vessel within the carrying frame;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the converter vessel and still another embodiment of the carrying frame according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a supporting rod; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of a supporting rod similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the different embodiments shown in drawings similar elements are characterized by the same reference numeral.

In FIG. 1 a converter or metallurgical vessel 1 is shown in its normal upright position disposed within a carrying frame 2. The vessel is constructed of a central cylindrical section, afrustoconically-shaped bottom section and a frustoconicallyshaped mouth section. Extending laterally from the carrying frame 2 are pivot pins 3 and 4 for mounting the frame within a stationary tilting frame, which has not been shown so that the invention can be exhibited more clearly.

The vessel 1 can be tilted about its horizontal axis 5 from its normal upright position shown in FIG. 1 to a belly position, that is, through 90 where its normally vertical axis is in the horizontal position, and then continuing the tilting action the vessel can be inverted a full 180 so that its mouth end is directed downwardly. Positioned about the outer periphery of the vessel are a plurality of flexible supporting rods which form the connection between the vessel 1 and the carrying frame 2.

The supporting rods have a minimum bending resistance to assist in the indirect transmission of load from the vessel into the carrying frame. As indicated generally in the various F IGS., the rods are of an elongated slender design and can be formed of a multiplicity of individual high-strength wires. Where individual wires are used the supporting rods may be in the form of sheathed or unsheathed cables where the wires each have a rectilinear axis and are disposed in parallel relationship with one another.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the carrying frame 2 consists of a bottom frame 7 having an approximately square configuration, see FIG. 2, and a rod system which extends laterally about the central portion of the vessel. At the corners 8 of the bottom frame, upright members 9 extend upwardly and are connected at their upper ends to the bottom part of the rod system 10. The rod system 10 is composed of supports 11 to which the pivot pins 3 and 4 are connected and struts 12 which interconnect the supports 11 and one another. Additional struts 13 extend downwardly and connect the rod system to the bottom frame 7. In its normal upright position the axis 14 of the vessel is in the vertical position and the weight of the vessel rests on the bottom frame 7 of the carrying frame. However, when the vessel is inverted through 180 a plurality of flexible supporting rods 15, secured to'the bottom frame atone end and to the vessel at the other, provide the support for the vessel. In addition, other supporting rods 16 extend in pairs on opposite sides of the vessel transversely of the tilting axis of the vessel and arranged in a plane extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis 14 of the vessel. At the upper or mouth end of the vessel a pair of reinforcing rings 2!, 22 extend transversely about the vessel spaced apart in the vertical direction. One pair of the supporting rods 16 extend between the reinforcing rings in tangential arrangement with the vessel and are connected to the vessel intermediate their ends. At their ends the rods 16 are secured by hearing clamps -20 to the carrying frame 2. Further, another pair of supporting rods 16 extend between bearing clamps 19 secured to the bottom frame 7 and are attached to the bottom of the vessel 1.

When the vessel 1 is tilted from its normal upright position as shown in FIG. 1 to its inverted position, it passes through 180 and when it reaches the 90 point it is in the so-called belly position. As the vessel is tilted the melt contained within it changes position and the masonry lining becomes heated to considerably higher temperatures. In both of the vertical positions of the vessel and in the belly position it is required that the vessel be permitted to deform to the greatest degree possible without any obstruction or hindrance which might cause defects or failures in the vessel structure. As indicated above,

I in its inverted position the vessel is supported by a number of supporting rods 15 angularly spaced about the base of the vessel in two pairs of diametrically opposite positions. When the vessel is in the belly position, the load is carried by-the two pairs of supporting rods 16, one located adjacent the mouth of g the vessel and the other positioned at its base. By means of the bearing clamps at the opposite ends of the supporting rods the I rods can be prestressed to support the vessel properly in its various tilted positions to assure that the different deformations caused by the thermal stressing are not hindered or obstructed by the carrying frame.

In FIG. 3, another embodiment of the carrying frame is shown in which a different arrangement of the flexible supporting rods 15 and 16 is indicated. In this embodiment the vessel 1 has the same configuration as in FIG. 1, however, the carrying frame does not extend above the cylindrical portion into the vicinity of the mouth portion of the vessel. In this arrangement the carrying frame 2 consists of a frame member 23 of polygonal shape which laterally encloses the central portion of the vessel. The frame member 23 is constructed of relatively rigid members fonned of channels or flat rod sections. Positioned below the frame member 23 is the bottom frame 7 which is secured to the bottom of the frame member 23 by means of the upright members 9. Encircling the vessel above and below the position of the pivot pins 3 and 41 are two pairs of reinforcing rings 21,22. The height of the frame member 23 depends on the position of the two pairs of reinforcing rings since the frame member 23 provides the end bearing support for the supporting rods 16 which extend between each pair of the reinforcing rings. The supporting rods 16 extend tangentially to the vessel 1 and transversely of the tilting axis of the vessel. The prestressing force of the tangentially arranged supporting rods 16 is absorbed by the frame member 23.

The bottom frame 7 is comprised of a base plate 25 at its lower end and the vessel, in its normal position, rests on the base plate and is supported by the bottom frame. However, an annular plate member 26 is located at the upper end of the bottom frame and has a cutout portion 27 through which the vessel extends. In this arrangement, the base plate 25 is supported by the flexible supporting rods 15.

In FIG. 4, the supporting rods 16 are shown extending across the frame member 23 and being secured into the bearing clamps mounted on the frame. At their points of tangency with the vessel the support rods are secured to the fixed attachment points 28. As can be noted in FIGS. 3 and 4 the supporting rods extend between each pair of reinforcing rings 21 and 22.

By virtue of the manner in which the vessel is positioned and supported by the carrying frame 2 and the supporting rods 15, 16 the embodiment set forth in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 is well suited to the easy replacement of the vessel 1.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, a third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which the vessel 1 has the same general configuration, however, no bottom frame 7 is utilized for supporting the vessel in the upright position, as in the embodiments displayed in FIGS. 1 and 3. In this arrangement, the flexible supporting rods 15 and 16 are arranged to afford the indirect load transfer between the vessel and the carrying frame in the upright and various tilted positions of the vessel. In this arrangement, two pairs of reinforcing rings 21 and 22 extend about the central portion of the vessel with one pair being located above the pivot pins 3 and 4 and the other pair spaced below the pins. Positioned between each pair of reinforcing rings is a pair of tangentially arranged supporting rods 16 which extend transversely of the tilting axis of the vessel and are secured to the carrying frame by means of bearing clamps 19. In plan view the carrying frame, which is formed by the completely enclosing frame member 29, is the same as frame member 23 shown in FIG. 4. In addition to the two pair of tangentially arranged supporting rods 16, in the inverted position the vessel is arranged to be supported-by the longitudinally extending supporting rods 15. The supporting rods 15 are equiangularly spaced about the periphery of the vessel in banks of three. In the normal position of the vessel the supporting rods 15 are secured by clamp bearings 19 to the upper reinforcing ring 21 and by clamp bearings 30 to the carrying frame member 29. Accordingly, in its inverted position the vessel is supported by the supporting rods 15 handing downwardly from the carrying frame. In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 6 to 3,-a complete elastic suspension is provided for the vessel 1 since its bottom does not rest upon a bottom plate as is the case in the embodiments shown in FIGS. '1 and 3.

Along each side of the frame member 29 at the location of the supporting rods 15 the edge surfaces of the frame member 29 are cut away to afford access to the ends of the supporting rods so that they can be readily fastened and adjusted as required.

As mentioned earlier and as displayed in FIGS. 9 and 10, the supporting rods 15, 16 have a special construction for the transmission of the load from the vessel into the carrying frame.

In FIG. 9, a tangential rod 16, such as shown in FIG. 2, is illustrated. At its opposite ends the rod 16 is secured into clamping bearings 19 located on the bottom frame 7. Each clamping bearing 19 has a receiving head 32 with a like number of bores 33 through which the individual straight wires 34 forming the rod 16 are inserted. After the individual wires 34 are positioned within the bores 33 each of their ends is formed as an upset head to prevent their displacement from the bores. The number, cross-sectional size and material of the individual wires is determined in accordance with the load to be supported.

The outer circumferential periphery 35 of the receiving head 32 is threaded and is engaged within a similarly threaded inner surface of an outer clamping sleeve 36. The initial tensioning forces are applied by a hydraulic machine of a known type, not shown in detail, threaded onto the outer threaded surface 38 of t outer sleeve 36. By rotating the outer sleeve 36, relative to the receiving head 32, into contact with the frame part 37, the rod 16 is held in a prestressed condition and the tensioning forces can be removed. Accordingly, the hydraulic machine is unscrewed from the thread 38 on the outer sleeve 36. The prestressed tangential rod 16 is not capable of transmitting the necessary forces for supporting the vessel load.

in addition to the receiving head 32 of the outer sleeve 36 a sleeve 39 extends about the outer periphery of the group 40 of individual wires 34 forming a protective sheath. Moreover, the receiving head 32 can be extended inwardly along the rod to form a guide within the bottom frame 7.

in FIG. 9, the member threaded onto the outer sleeve 30 and indicated by the arrow, forms a part of the hydraulic machine for stressing the rod and is easily transferable between clamping points.

l claim:

1. A supporting device for a metallurgical vessel such as a converter used in making steel which deforms when exposed to thermal stresses generated in the steelmaking process, comprising a carrying frame member arranged to be positioned in spaced relationship to and laterally enclosing at least a part of the vessel, pivot members mounted on said frame and arranged to be supported in a structure for tilting said carrying frame about a horizontal axis, and flexible supporting rods secured to and disposed in spaced relationship about said carrying frame and arranged for attachment to the vessel for indirect transfer of stress therebetween, said supporting rods being disposed perpendicularly to one of the directions of deformation of the vessel.

2. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting rods are prestressed.

3. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said supporting rods are formed of a plurality of individual wires having their axes disposed in parallel rectilinear relationship.

4. A supporting device, as set forth-in claim 1, wherein said supporting rods comprising first supporting rods arranged initially to extend in parallel relationship with the vertical axis of the vessel in its normal upright position and second supporting rods arranged initially to extend in tangential relationship with the vessel and in a plane disposed perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the vessel.

5. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame comprising a number of interconnected strut members arranged to enclose the vessel intermediate its upper and lower ends, a plurality of upright supports secured to and extending downwardly from said carrying frame, and a bottom frame unit secured to the lower ends of said upright supports whereby in its normal upright position said bottom frame unit is arranged to support the vessel.

6. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein inclined strut members extending between said bottom frame unit and the lower portion of said carrying frame.

7. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first supporting rods are arranged to be secured to the lower part of the vessel and to extend downwardly therefrom and secured to said bottom frame unit whereby in the inverted position of the vessel the vessel is supported by said first supporting rods.

8. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 7, wherein said bottom frame unit being substantially square, and a plurality of said first support rods being secured to each side of said bottom frame unit at a position intermediate its comers.

9. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein a first pair and a second pair of said second supporting rods being disposed in vertically spaced relationship, said first pair of said second supporting rods being secured at their ends to the upper portion of said carrying frame, and said second pair of said second supporting rods being secured at their ends to said bottom frame unit and being arranged to be positioned closely adjacent to and below the bottom of the vessel, both pairs of said second supporting rods being arranged to be attached to the vessel at positions intermediate their ends.

10. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein bearing clamps being secured to the upper portion of said carrying frame and to said bottom frame unit for securing said second supporting rods thereto.

11. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein a pair of reinforcing rings arranged to extend about the periphery of the vessel transverse to its vertical axis and being located at the upper end of said carrying frame, said reinforcing rings being spaced a'part vertically with one of said rings being located above said second support rods and the other being located below said second support rods at the upper end of said carrying frame.

12. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame comprises a closed polygonal-shaped member arranged to be disposed about the vessel intermediate its ends, uprights secured to and extending downwardly from said member, a bottom frame unit secured to the lower ends of said uprights and arranged to laterally enclose the lower end of said vessel, said bottom frame unit comprising a bottom plate for supporting the vessel in its normal vertical position.

13. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 12, wherein an annular plate member extending across the upper end of said bottom frame unit and having a cutout therein arranged to fit the vessel and being spaced above said bottom plate.

14. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 13, wherein a plurality of said first supporting rods being positioned along each side of said bottom frame unit and each of said first supporting rods being secured to said bottom plate at their lower ends and to said annular plate member at their upper ends for suspending the vessel within said carrying frame in the inverted position.

15. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein two pair of reinforcing rings being spaced about said vessel within the range of said polygonal-shaped member, one pair of said reinforcing rings being located adjacent the upper end of said member and the other pair of said reinforcing rings being located adjacent the lower end of said member.

16. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 15, wherein two pair of said second supporting rods being secured to said carrying frame, one pair of said supporting rods extending across said frame and being arranged to be positioned tangential to the vessel and located between the upper pair of said reinforcing rings and the other pair of said second supporting rods extending across said frame and being arranged to be positioned tangential to the vessel and located between the lower pair of said reinforcing rings.

17. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 16, wherein bearing clamps being mounted on said polygonal-shaped member for securing said second supporting rods thereto and a fixed attachment member arranged to be secured to said vessel for securing said second supporting rod to said vessel.

18. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame arranged to enclose the vessel intermediate and spaced from its lower and upper ends, said carrying frame comprising a continuous polygonal-shaped member laterally enclosing and spaced from the central portion of said vessel.

19. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 18, wherein two pair of reinforcing rings being arranged to enclose the vessel with one pair of said reinforcing rings being located inwardly from and adjacent the upper end of said carrying frame and the other pair of said reinforcing rings being located inwardly from and adjacent the lower end of said carrying frame, and two pair of said second supporting rods extending across said carrying frame and arranged to be positioned tangentially to the vessel with one pair of said supporting rods being positioned between the upper pair of said reinforcing rings and the other pair of second supporting rods being positioned between the lower pair of said reinforcing rings, and said second supporting rods being disposed on opposite sides of said vessel.

20. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 19, wherein a plurality of first supporting rods being located along each side of said carrying frame intermediate the corners thereof, first clamp bearings secured to one of the upper pairs of said reinforcing rings and second clamp bearings secured to the lower part of said carrying frame, said first supporting rods being secured to their upper ends to said first clamp bearings and at their lower ends to said second clamp bearings, whereby in the inverted position the vessel is arranged to be dependently supported from the lower part of said carrying frame.

21. A supporting device, as setforth in claim 20, wherein the upper and lower edges of said carrying frame along each of its sides being cut out to afio'rd access to the said first and second clamp bearings securing the ends of said first supporting rods in place. 

1. A supporting device for a metallurgical vessel such as a converter used in making steel which deforms when exposed to thermal stresses generated in the steelmaking process, comprising a carrying frame member arranged to be positioned in spaced relationship to and lateraLly enclosing at least a part of the vessel, pivot members mounted on said frame and arranged to be supported in a structure for tilting said carrying frame about a horizontal axis, and flexible supporting rods secured to and disposed in spaced relationship about said carrying frame and arranged for attachment to the vessel for indirect transfer of stress therebetween, said supporting rods being disposed perpendicularly to one of the directions of deformation of the vessel.
 2. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting rods are prestressed.
 3. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said supporting rods are formed of a plurality of individual wires having their axes disposed in parallel rectilinear relationship.
 4. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting rods comprising first supporting rods arranged initially to extend in parallel relationship with the vertical axis of the vessel in its normal upright position and second supporting rods arranged initially to extend in tangential relationship with the vessel and in a plane disposed perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the vessel.
 5. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame comprising a number of interconnected strut members arranged to enclose the vessel intermediate its upper and lower ends, a plurality of upright supports secured to and extending downwardly from said carrying frame, and a bottom frame unit secured to the lower ends of said upright supports whereby in its normal upright position said bottom frame unit is arranged to support the vessel.
 6. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein inclined strut members extending between said bottom frame unit and the lower portion of said carrying frame.
 7. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first supporting rods are arranged to be secured to the lower part of the vessel and to extend downwardly therefrom and secured to said bottom frame unit whereby in the inverted position of the vessel the vessel is supported by said first supporting rods.
 8. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 7, wherein said bottom frame unit being substantially square, and a plurality of said first support rods being secured to each side of said bottom frame unit at a position intermediate its corners.
 9. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein a first pair and a second pair of said second supporting rods being disposed in vertically spaced relationship, said first pair of said second supporting rods being secured at their ends to the upper portion of said carrying frame, and said second pair of said second supporting rods being secured at their ends to said bottom frame unit and being arranged to be positioned closely adjacent to and below the bottom of the vessel, both pairs of said second supporting rods being arranged to be attached to the vessel at positions intermediate their ends.
 10. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein bearing clamps being secured to the upper portion of said carrying frame and to said bottom frame unit for securing said second supporting rods thereto.
 11. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein a pair of reinforcing rings arranged to extend about the periphery of the vessel transverse to its vertical axis and being located at the upper end of said carrying frame, said reinforcing rings being spaced apart vertically with one of said rings being located above said second support rods and the other being located below said second support rods at the upper end of said carrying frame.
 12. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame comprises a closed polygonal-shaped member arranged to be disposed about the vessel intermediate its ends, uprights secured to and extending downwardly from said member, a bottom frame unit secured to the lower ends of said uprights and arranged to laterally enclose the lower end of said vessel, saiD bottom frame unit comprising a bottom plate for supporting the vessel in its normal vertical position.
 13. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 12, wherein an annular plate member extending across the upper end of said bottom frame unit and having a cutout therein arranged to fit the vessel and being spaced above said bottom plate.
 14. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 13, wherein a plurality of said first supporting rods being positioned along each side of said bottom frame unit and each of said first supporting rods being secured to said bottom plate at their lower ends and to said annular plate member at their upper ends for suspending the vessel within said carrying frame in the inverted position.
 15. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 14, wherein two pair of reinforcing rings being spaced about said vessel within the range of said polygonal-shaped member, one pair of said reinforcing rings being located adjacent the upper end of said member and the other pair of said reinforcing rings being located adjacent the lower end of said member.
 16. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 15, wherein two pair of said second supporting rods being secured to said carrying frame, one pair of said supporting rods extending across said frame and being arranged to be positioned tangential to the vessel and located between the upper pair of said reinforcing rings and the other pair of said second supporting rods extending across said frame and being arranged to be positioned tangential to the vessel and located between the lower pair of said reinforcing rings.
 17. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 16, wherein bearing clamps being mounted on said polygonal-shaped member for securing said second supporting rods thereto and a fixed attachment member arranged to be secured to said vessel for securing said second supporting rod to said vessel.
 18. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said carrying frame arranged to enclose the vessel intermediate and spaced from its lower and upper ends, said carrying frame comprising a continuous polygonal-shaped member laterally enclosing and spaced from the central portion of said vessel.
 19. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 18, wherein two pair of reinforcing rings being arranged to enclose the vessel with one pair of said reinforcing rings being located inwardly from and adjacent the upper end of said carrying frame and the other pair of said reinforcing rings being located inwardly from and adjacent the lower end of said carrying frame, and two pair of said second supporting rods extending across said carrying frame and arranged to be positioned tangentially to the vessel with one pair of said supporting rods being positioned between the upper pair of said reinforcing rings and the other pair of second supporting rods being positioned between the lower pair of said reinforcing rings, and said second supporting rods being disposed on opposite sides of said vessel.
 20. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 19, wherein a plurality of first supporting rods being located along each side of said carrying frame intermediate the corners thereof, first clamp bearings secured to one of the upper pairs of said reinforcing rings and second clamp bearings secured to the lower part of said carrying frame, said first supporting rods being secured to their upper ends to said first clamp bearings and at their lower ends to said second clamp bearings, whereby in the inverted position the vessel is arranged to be dependently supported from the lower part of said carrying frame.
 21. A supporting device, as set forth in claim 20, wherein the upper and lower edges of said carrying frame along each of its sides being cut out to afford access to the said first and second clamp bearings securing the ends of said first supporting rods in place. 